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Now and Again
Juliet Sullivan loves her job as a nanny to wealthy families. It isn’t her world, but she’s a wonder with kids and anyone would consider her a gift to their household. Well, almost anyone. Because when she goes to work in the Powell household, there’s one person who’s not so thrilled to see her. And Juliet's not so happy to see that old face either…
Riley Powell is in a bind. She’s been given the boot by her landlord, finding herself forced to move in her with rich father and his second family. Oh, and the nanny. Who just happens to be Juliet Sullivan, an old school friend. Friend might be the wrong way to put it, though. It might be more accurate to describe her as the object of a catastrophic crush that went right off the rails, breaking both their hearts.
Juliet and Riley haven’t seen each other in ten years. But when fate forces them under the same roof, things are about to get awkward. Because some sparks don’t die so easily, and even a decade hasn’t killed this one…
‘Now and Again’ is a light, funny second-chance romance from the internationally best-selling author of ‘Just Married’, ‘The Plus One,’ and ‘By Any Other Name.’
Riley Powell is in a bind. She’s been given the boot by her landlord, finding herself forced to move in her with rich father and his second family. Oh, and the nanny. Who just happens to be Juliet Sullivan, an old school friend. Friend might be the wrong way to put it, though. It might be more accurate to describe her as the object of a catastrophic crush that went right off the rails, breaking both their hearts.
Juliet and Riley haven’t seen each other in ten years. But when fate forces them under the same roof, things are about to get awkward. Because some sparks don’t die so easily, and even a decade hasn’t killed this one…
‘Now and Again’ is a light, funny second-chance romance from the internationally best-selling author of ‘Just Married’, ‘The Plus One,’ and ‘By Any Other Name.’
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2020
164 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 21, 2021
The reason I picked this up was because I needed a palate cleanser after reading a disturbingly bad and depressing book. And, out of the gate, for those of you who are new to Natasha West, lighter reading fare is what she delivers at least 90% of the time: light, fluffy rom-coms.
"Now and Again" is a second chance romance taking place ten years after a high school crush goes wrong. West captured the light, fluffy part of a read to me but this story was less of a rom-com than her usual style. It still had some amusing moments though.
This book was also rougher around the edges and needed more editing clean up. But, I still enjoyed the read for what it was. This definitely wasn't great but it was okay and was what I needed, especially since it only took three hours to get through.
There are better reads in Nastasha West's catalogue but this will do if you're looking for something quick and easy.
"Now and Again" is a second chance romance taking place ten years after a high school crush goes wrong. West captured the light, fluffy part of a read to me but this story was less of a rom-com than her usual style. It still had some amusing moments though.
This book was also rougher around the edges and needed more editing clean up. But, I still enjoyed the read for what it was. This definitely wasn't great but it was okay and was what I needed, especially since it only took three hours to get through.
There are better reads in Nastasha West's catalogue but this will do if you're looking for something quick and easy.
October 16, 2020
Tedious. Nothing happening. Just immature highschool drama from 10 years previous being rehashed and the MC's going around in circles.
Unlikable and totally ignorant mains that are being obviously manipulated by side characters.
I usually like Natasha Wests stuff, but this fell reallllly flat to me. I highly recommend a lot of her other works, just not this one in my opinion, but as the old saying goes your mileage may vary. A kindle unlimited read.
Unlikable and totally ignorant mains that are being obviously manipulated by side characters.
I usually like Natasha Wests stuff, but this fell reallllly flat to me. I highly recommend a lot of her other works, just not this one in my opinion, but as the old saying goes your mileage may vary. A kindle unlimited read.
April 12, 2022
Not a single Mum, a carer, well nanny to be exact and the family she works with. I thought this was really good - loved the family dynamic and even forgave the use of flashbacks (2nd only to brickwall endings) as they were different depending on the MC's view. I've found NW a little hit or miss over the years - this is very vanilla but is a positive hit! Loved it 2nd time round!
January 23, 2021
Just ok.... Pretty much a basic, light and quick read.
Ratings: 2.5 ⭐️
Ratings: 2.5 ⭐️
October 13, 2020
This was pretty sweet... although I wish there was more on Riley and Juliet as a couple, and how the couple fit in the Powell family dynamic.
India's a doozy too... wow, what a horrible person.
India's a doozy too... wow, what a horrible person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
This is a second chances book but not entirely, because the first time around, the relationship was abbreviated and nixed before it could develop.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
October 22, 2020
Just an exercise in how much crap a reader can stomach.
November 13, 2020
Good but heartbreaking!
I first have to say that I am a big fan of Natasha West. But I did not enjoy this as much as I should. Starting with Julia, damn from a young teen and continuing to her current life, people just shit on her. Even her family! That was most of the focus and it was becoming redundant. Certain parts brought tears to my eyes, that was due to the writing but also tough to read. Then you have Riley and her own insecurities, who trusts her long time friend and not Julia, the girl she has a crush on. As the story unwinds and Julia is going through her stuff as well as Riley, they are brought together. They both still have feelings but neither wants to talk about what happened all those years ago. As the story reaches its conclusion, that is when it is revealed all the crap Riley’s best friend did to Julia. There could have been an earlier exit from the bullying and abusive behavior with a sweeter ending.
I first have to say that I am a big fan of Natasha West. But I did not enjoy this as much as I should. Starting with Julia, damn from a young teen and continuing to her current life, people just shit on her. Even her family! That was most of the focus and it was becoming redundant. Certain parts brought tears to my eyes, that was due to the writing but also tough to read. Then you have Riley and her own insecurities, who trusts her long time friend and not Julia, the girl she has a crush on. As the story unwinds and Julia is going through her stuff as well as Riley, they are brought together. They both still have feelings but neither wants to talk about what happened all those years ago. As the story reaches its conclusion, that is when it is revealed all the crap Riley’s best friend did to Julia. There could have been an earlier exit from the bullying and abusive behavior with a sweeter ending.
January 30, 2021
After the last book I read left me a bit frustrated and longing for a simplistic, happy ending, I decided to try Now and Again. In one sense, it was simplistic and gave a fairly happy ending. But overall, it wasn’t a great read.
First off, I’ll start with the things I liked about the book. I did like that the plot wasn’t overly convoluted. There didn’t seem to be any drama because someone was (needlessly) holding information or a conversation back from the other. And I will say, the characterization of Mia, the young girl that Juliet nannies for, is accurate. She was adorable, and so were her interactions with Juliet.
That being said, a lot of this book just fell flat and/or short. Two of the side characters seem to be mean with no reason as to why other than to serve as antagonists. They quickly wrapped both of the reasonings up in the end, and while everything wasn’t per se okay, it still felt a bit glossed over given the gravity of their actions.
Calling it a second-chance romance seemed a bit far-fetched. That was the most disappointing aspect, as it was one of the things I was most looking forward to. It’s a decade later, and both women are supposedly near 30, yet they’re still holding on to one night that happened 10 years ago when a romance was squashed. It just didn’t feel very realistic. I would understand a little more if there was some deep emotional connection or if they had dated, but neither happened.
This brings me to my last point, none of the characters seemed that fleshed out. I wished that they were developed a little bit. As it stands, they just seemed flat and acted as props. I had no sentimental or emotional connection to either, even after reading through the entire book.
Overall, it was a decent read. It wasn’t anything great, but it was decent. I’m not disappointed I read it just because it got my mind off the last one, but had it been a bit more challenging or longer, I think I would have been more disappointed.
First off, I’ll start with the things I liked about the book. I did like that the plot wasn’t overly convoluted. There didn’t seem to be any drama because someone was (needlessly) holding information or a conversation back from the other. And I will say, the characterization of Mia, the young girl that Juliet nannies for, is accurate. She was adorable, and so were her interactions with Juliet.
That being said, a lot of this book just fell flat and/or short. Two of the side characters seem to be mean with no reason as to why other than to serve as antagonists. They quickly wrapped both of the reasonings up in the end, and while everything wasn’t per se okay, it still felt a bit glossed over given the gravity of their actions.
Calling it a second-chance romance seemed a bit far-fetched. That was the most disappointing aspect, as it was one of the things I was most looking forward to. It’s a decade later, and both women are supposedly near 30, yet they’re still holding on to one night that happened 10 years ago when a romance was squashed. It just didn’t feel very realistic. I would understand a little more if there was some deep emotional connection or if they had dated, but neither happened.
This brings me to my last point, none of the characters seemed that fleshed out. I wished that they were developed a little bit. As it stands, they just seemed flat and acted as props. I had no sentimental or emotional connection to either, even after reading through the entire book.
Overall, it was a decent read. It wasn’t anything great, but it was decent. I’m not disappointed I read it just because it got my mind off the last one, but had it been a bit more challenging or longer, I think I would have been more disappointed.
December 15, 2020
first of all i'd like to say, i was'nt keen on this book to start with it seemed to light i did'nt get into the caracters till some way in the one person i took an istant dislike was mike but i was soposed was'nt i,
the two mains took awhile to find any sort of affection for but the first became fond of was amanda
and her almost instant liking of juliet, and only grew through the book, i did get anoid at the fact she never crossed mike and always sided with him, even when he was being a compleat dick, and the fact amanda was so into juliete and riley getting together i actuaaly thought she new theired been lovers in school, but the reveal at the end proved me somewhat wrong.
i also never had a faverate lead which is un usual with lesfic, i usualy become so close and personal with either or both, doesnt mean i didnt feel anything for riley and juliete, i did but as with most lesfic books the shear amount of self dout without the real facts, when all they have to do is talk be onest and show the love interest that there are isuse that need deeling with so the romance can go forward,
the reveal at the end was indeed to short and i wanted everything to be talked out clear the air
by the end i was falling heaverly for both mains and the declaration by both that they were indeed in love and had been in love for so meany years was so sweet i cried.
the two mains took awhile to find any sort of affection for but the first became fond of was amanda
and her almost instant liking of juliet, and only grew through the book, i did get anoid at the fact she never crossed mike and always sided with him, even when he was being a compleat dick, and the fact amanda was so into juliete and riley getting together i actuaaly thought she new theired been lovers in school, but the reveal at the end proved me somewhat wrong.
i also never had a faverate lead which is un usual with lesfic, i usualy become so close and personal with either or both, doesnt mean i didnt feel anything for riley and juliete, i did but as with most lesfic books the shear amount of self dout without the real facts, when all they have to do is talk be onest and show the love interest that there are isuse that need deeling with so the romance can go forward,
the reveal at the end was indeed to short and i wanted everything to be talked out clear the air
by the end i was falling heaverly for both mains and the declaration by both that they were indeed in love and had been in love for so meany years was so sweet i cried.
October 26, 2020
Juliet has been working as a nanny, happy to be helping to raise other peoples' children. When the family she works for moves, they refer her to a new family with a two year old daughter. At her interview, she realizes that also living in the house is Riley, the adult daughter from the father's first marriage, and a former classmate of Juliet's with whom she had an awkward and upsetting series of quasi-romantic interactions.
While at first the two avoid each other, they decide to maintain a friendship that looks like it could go further but keeps getting derailed.
The book goes back and forth between the present and the past, providing the reader with the full back story, including the role of Riley's snobby and clingy best friend, India.
Most of this book was really well written and engaging and had me routing for the MCs. It was headed for a 5 star rating, but then in the last part, there were some strange, almost slapstick plot devices (the child's birthday party, the visit to Juliet by the father) that felt like it went a bit off the rails. Neither was necessary.
But regardless, it's a decent read.
While at first the two avoid each other, they decide to maintain a friendship that looks like it could go further but keeps getting derailed.
The book goes back and forth between the present and the past, providing the reader with the full back story, including the role of Riley's snobby and clingy best friend, India.
Most of this book was really well written and engaging and had me routing for the MCs. It was headed for a 5 star rating, but then in the last part, there were some strange, almost slapstick plot devices (the child's birthday party, the visit to Juliet by the father) that felt like it went a bit off the rails. Neither was necessary.
But regardless, it's a decent read.
August 3, 2021
This is the cutest but also funniest second chance romances I have read so far. The plot in itself has some elements, that just had me laugh out loud, something that was even enhanced by some of the dialogues alongside.
The plot idea is somewhat original, too. The way the main characters are thrown together time and again is as funny as it is life like and reminded me of the fact, that life more often than not can be stranger than fiction! The misunderstandings, that build the start of the plot ar so incredibly human and make both our central women so sweet and lovable, even the villain in the end is at least someone you can understand, even in spite of what she did was just plain evil.
The resolution happens surprisingly all at once and none of the people involved could have expected it, just like in everyday life things happen sometimes, that you could not have planned better if you tried. I'll have to get a paper copy for another read in front of the fire in winter.
The plot idea is somewhat original, too. The way the main characters are thrown together time and again is as funny as it is life like and reminded me of the fact, that life more often than not can be stranger than fiction! The misunderstandings, that build the start of the plot ar so incredibly human and make both our central women so sweet and lovable, even the villain in the end is at least someone you can understand, even in spite of what she did was just plain evil.
The resolution happens surprisingly all at once and none of the people involved could have expected it, just like in everyday life things happen sometimes, that you could not have planned better if you tried. I'll have to get a paper copy for another read in front of the fire in winter.
January 27, 2021
Refreshing and feel good
Honestly i loved this book. First thing first the cover is beautiful.
May i need this book at this time. I really was reading weird stuff. I had read this writter some of books earlier so nothing different in writting style.
If was not in such a bad book phase its simple and beautiful book. I took 1 day gap to write to review beacuse first i thought may be i had just finished this thats why i am feeling so good about this book but it brings smile on my face even after a day.
Its about a girl who works as nanny and other MC is a marketing person which is not revealed much.
So they were high school crush of each other and crossed path with each other due to circumstances and stories goes.
It is silly in some confusion part writter should come up with something intelligent but may be i am wrong.
Honestly i loved this book. First thing first the cover is beautiful.
May i need this book at this time. I really was reading weird stuff. I had read this writter some of books earlier so nothing different in writting style.
If was not in such a bad book phase its simple and beautiful book. I took 1 day gap to write to review beacuse first i thought may be i had just finished this thats why i am feeling so good about this book but it brings smile on my face even after a day.
Its about a girl who works as nanny and other MC is a marketing person which is not revealed much.
So they were high school crush of each other and crossed path with each other due to circumstances and stories goes.
It is silly in some confusion part writter should come up with something intelligent but may be i am wrong.
October 9, 2020
I always enjoy the books by this author, and this was no exception. I thought this book had so much to offer.
Besides being hilarious, as most of her books are, this book was also unique with having both Riley and Juliet as POV characters. Seeing the story unfold from each perspective brought another element of drama and understanding. I also felt the dialogue was engaging and believable. I really couldn't get through this book fast enough.
If you are looking for something with love, humor, and likable characters who are evolving works in progress, then you should give Now and Again a read; you won't be disappointed.
Besides being hilarious, as most of her books are, this book was also unique with having both Riley and Juliet as POV characters. Seeing the story unfold from each perspective brought another element of drama and understanding. I also felt the dialogue was engaging and believable. I really couldn't get through this book fast enough.
If you are looking for something with love, humor, and likable characters who are evolving works in progress, then you should give Now and Again a read; you won't be disappointed.
April 22, 2021
This book introduces us to Riley & Juliet as they navigate a romance ten years in the making. This is definitely a slow burn romance, full of missed chances and misunderstandings, that make you root for these two to get together even more. An easy and enjoyable read, with sweet main characters. The only thing that didn’t quite fit was the fact that they were meant to be 28, as they felt rather immature for their age. Perhaps if they were early 20s, this would have made more sense. Judging by the cover, I expected this to be set somewhere like LA or Barcelona, so was surprised to find these characters in England. Overall, a lovely wee book & I’ll be adding more of this author to my bookshelf!
March 2, 2021
More of a kids' story than a romance
A very G-rated story that was much more kid centric than romance. I did read the whole book in one night, and while the story and plot wasn't horrible, it was very, VERY light on the romance. I've read some excellent lesbian romances in the last few days and this book didn't even come close. I feel like you could have replaced Riley's gender as male instead of female and you wouldn't have to change anything else but some pronouns, and you'd have a middling YA book for preteen to young teen girls. Seriously, don't waste your time here.
A very G-rated story that was much more kid centric than romance. I did read the whole book in one night, and while the story and plot wasn't horrible, it was very, VERY light on the romance. I've read some excellent lesbian romances in the last few days and this book didn't even come close. I feel like you could have replaced Riley's gender as male instead of female and you wouldn't have to change anything else but some pronouns, and you'd have a middling YA book for preteen to young teen girls. Seriously, don't waste your time here.
October 11, 2020
Very entertaining story
Very enjoyable but drama filled story. Juliet and Riley had a roller coaster ride of a story during this whole story. They faced one obstacle after another and it seemed each one was worse than the last one. At last the story ending was worth reading through all the drama presented in the book. The fact that this book had no actual sex scenes in it did not deter this reader from enjoying this author’s work.
Very enjoyable but drama filled story. Juliet and Riley had a roller coaster ride of a story during this whole story. They faced one obstacle after another and it seemed each one was worse than the last one. At last the story ending was worth reading through all the drama presented in the book. The fact that this book had no actual sex scenes in it did not deter this reader from enjoying this author’s work.
October 31, 2020
Light romance with humor woven in
I liked this book a lot. It was a sweet story, with excellent pacing and character development.
Usually West's books have me laughing out loud throughout, and this one didn't evoke that response. I was smiling throughout, and there were some great funny moments, but it was to the comedic level that I have become accustomed to from this author.
That said, it was a good way to relax and just enjoy a couple hours of escapism.
I do recommend.
I liked this book a lot. It was a sweet story, with excellent pacing and character development.
Usually West's books have me laughing out loud throughout, and this one didn't evoke that response. I was smiling throughout, and there were some great funny moments, but it was to the comedic level that I have become accustomed to from this author.
That said, it was a good way to relax and just enjoy a couple hours of escapism.
I do recommend.
February 8, 2021
Wow! I went into this with no expectation but it was really cute and funny!
The writing was so readable I finished it in one sitting, or lying in bed in my case.
I wanted to give it a 5* but the women could have communicated better because the misunderstanding dragged on much longer than it should. Meanwhile whenever they had a moment to confess, they were almost always interrupted it got very annoying.
For 30 ish adults though, they read more like mid 20s characters.
The writing was so readable I finished it in one sitting, or lying in bed in my case.
I wanted to give it a 5* but the women could have communicated better because the misunderstanding dragged on much longer than it should. Meanwhile whenever they had a moment to confess, they were almost always interrupted it got very annoying.
For 30 ish adults though, they read more like mid 20s characters.
April 3, 2021
Spoiler alert
The book didn't cover any intimate scenes between the two mains characters apart from a kiss. The sexual tension could have been captured more and I'm always just disappointed when you get to the end of the book after patiently awaiting for that final moment where after the tension builds in a romance book and the characters become intimate, but that just never arrived. Disappointing.
The book didn't cover any intimate scenes between the two mains characters apart from a kiss. The sexual tension could have been captured more and I'm always just disappointed when you get to the end of the book after patiently awaiting for that final moment where after the tension builds in a romance book and the characters become intimate, but that just never arrived. Disappointing.
February 20, 2023
i really really really wanted to like this.
this couldve been so good, it was funny, and had a nice writing style, but i feel like the whole “romance” side of the story was about the whole high school thing, like a kiss from 10 years beforehand was in more detail then the 3rd act kiss! it wasnt even outright said that they kissed! they only spoke like 5 times before they got together?? no detail at all when it came to literally anything.
also it was so short!!
this couldve been so good, it was funny, and had a nice writing style, but i feel like the whole “romance” side of the story was about the whole high school thing, like a kiss from 10 years beforehand was in more detail then the 3rd act kiss! it wasnt even outright said that they kissed! they only spoke like 5 times before they got together?? no detail at all when it came to literally anything.
also it was so short!!
December 14, 2020
Interesting
The main characters, Juliet and Riley, fell for each other in high school. Due to jealousy from a friend, they completely misunderstood each other. Ten years later they meet again. Eventually they tell each other about their love. I admit I like a love scene before the end of the story.
The main characters, Juliet and Riley, fell for each other in high school. Due to jealousy from a friend, they completely misunderstood each other. Ten years later they meet again. Eventually they tell each other about their love. I admit I like a love scene before the end of the story.
January 11, 2022
Well I didn't really like this book. As I was reading I'm wondering when are they going to ever sit down and talk, I mean really talk. This could have really actually been a great story but it wasn't written like that. Slow burner and in the last 2 pages the author kinda let's the reader know what's up. No sex scenes. So A W. I will check out these other books you suggested and give Natasha another chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
This wasn't really my style of book. The characters felt quite thin/undeveloped, like they were written to fit particular stereotypes. The sardonic humour felt a bit forced. The storyline was ok, though rather predictable. I'm sure there would be a fanbase for these sorts of books, but I'm not part of it unfortunately.
October 21, 2020
I absolutely loved it
Like most other books by Natasha west. The story had great characters a lot of unexpected turns and a happy ending. The ending could have been a bit longer -
That’s my only complaint!!
Like most other books by Natasha west. The story had great characters a lot of unexpected turns and a happy ending. The ending could have been a bit longer -
That’s my only complaint!!
January 8, 2021
Talking is easy Communication is difficult.
A poor girl and a rich girl learn the hard way on how to communicate. It doesn't help when a third party keeps interrupting. A father learns the hard way of communicating. Enjoy!
A poor girl and a rich girl learn the hard way on how to communicate. It doesn't help when a third party keeps interrupting. A father learns the hard way of communicating. Enjoy!
January 8, 2021
Nice, but not her best.
Now and Again is an easy read, unfortunately not among my favourites in West's production.
Maybe it's because Riley's relationship with her father was hitting too close to home, but I found myself rooting for Amanda more than for the two leads.
Now and Again is an easy read, unfortunately not among my favourites in West's production.
Maybe it's because Riley's relationship with her father was hitting too close to home, but I found myself rooting for Amanda more than for the two leads.
November 4, 2021
1.5 stars
I did not care for the writing style or the formatting, which made it difficult get into, stay in, and care about the main relationship. More time was spent in the past with repetitive dual PoVs than in the present. Actually not much progress was made in the present either so I am not sure why this book exists in its current form.
I did not care for the writing style or the formatting, which made it difficult get into, stay in, and care about the main relationship. More time was spent in the past with repetitive dual PoVs than in the present. Actually not much progress was made in the present either so I am not sure why this book exists in its current form.
February 15, 2022
Champion story
I like Natasha West's books this one no exception and yet again made the mistake of picking it up at 4 am intending to read a chapter then get back to sleep. Didn't happen, finished it at 8 am.
I like Natasha West's books this one no exception and yet again made the mistake of picking it up at 4 am intending to read a chapter then get back to sleep. Didn't happen, finished it at 8 am.
October 10, 2020
Fantastic
The latest book from Natasha West is fantastic! A wonderful second chance love story between Juliet and Riley. I loved it and think you will too.
The latest book from Natasha West is fantastic! A wonderful second chance love story between Juliet and Riley. I loved it and think you will too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews